Texas House Bill HB2772

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/28/09
• Voted on by House: 5/5/09

Caption

Relating to the authority of the Montgomery County Hospital District in relation to ambulance service providers.

Impact

By empowering the Montgomery County Hospital District to enforce stricter regulations, the bill significantly impacts how ambulance services are managed and oversight is conducted in the region. The district can now set forth regulations and can levy administrative fees on providers to help cover the expenses incurred in evaluating their qualifications. This provision is intended to ensure that only qualified ambulance services are permitted to operate, potentially improving response times and overall service quality for residents.

Summary

House Bill 2772 focuses on the authority granted to the Montgomery County Hospital District concerning ambulance service providers. The bill seeks to amend previous legislation by allowing the board of directors of the district to implement regulations that are more stringent than those established under Chapter 773 of the Health and Safety Code. This approach aims to enhance public health and safety standards concerning ambulance services operating within the district's jurisdiction. The legislation reflects an effort to ensure that service providers meet the necessary qualifications based on local needs.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to enhance public health and safety, it may spur discussions about the balance of power between local districts and state regulations. Some concerns could arise regarding the implications of increased regulatory burdens on ambulance service providers, especially small, independent operators. The potential for inconsistencies in service levels compared to other regions in Texas may also be a point of debate among stakeholders, including service providers and local government officials.